“Normal” is Always New

I’ve been hearing a lot of conversations about “the new normal,” and how life is never going to go back to the way it was before. One person recently wrote to me, “I’m beginning to realize life is never going to be the same.”

And they are right.

We have all been asked (or forced) to change our present reality. Getting used to our new reality, both in the short-term and the long-term, is going to take some time. No doubt, there have been significant changes and will be many more.

But I want to offer you a helpful reminder today:

Your life was never going to be the same tomorrow as it is today.

“Normal” was always going to be different and new.

Our world is constantly changing and our lives are constantly changing. Sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse. Sometimes small and incremental, sometimes abrupt and significant. Sometimes because we desire change, sometimes because change is forced upon us.

But life is constantly changing.

I can tell you that my life today is a lot different than it was one year ago. My life one year ago was very different than it was five years ago or 15 years ago. And the world has changed a whole lot during that time as well.

The only constant in life is change. And “normal” tomorrow was always going to be different than normal today.

Normal is always new.

It is our responsibility to live in the present and make the most of our circumstances—whatever they look like today and whatever they look like tomorrow.

Comments

Pema Chodron in“The Places That Scare You”, says, “We can try to control the uncontrollable by looking for security and predictability, always hoping to be comfortable and safe. But, the truth is, that we can never avoid uncertainty. This not knowing is part of the adventure, and it’s also what makes us afraid.” We’re in a time of great groundlessness and upheaval. It’s also a time of deep learning. I’m very concerned about all the ones who are suffering now financially and/or medically. I also pray that we as a human race can learn much from this global crisis.

Thank you. After a hair raising day, this is nice to read before heading to bed! We found out a couple weeks ago we have to move. Our land lord is moving back into his house after renting to us for 5 years. Reading this tonight is keeping me from coming unglued…..I have a deep faith, and so grateful for everything I have in my life, especially my family and friends. I put my trust in my Higher Power and it’s nice to have earth angles helping in the process. And I consider you, one of my earth angels. Enjoy your blog. Thank you!

What a great reminder! I used to try to keep things “normal” under my control, ha! When I went through a divorce 8 years ago, a lot of change was forced on me. I turned for help to a ministry called Celebrate Recovery, it’s not just for addicts. It helped me to place my life into the one thing that doesn’t change, God’s hands! I was a Christian before but learning to completely trust Jesus has given me so much peace! Especially right now.

Thank you. This has really been bothering me. “The new normal.” But no! My nephew will not ALWAYS be changing taking his clothes off in the garage and plopping then into the washing machine, then going straight in the door to the shower and clean clothes, before he sees his kids, because he’s been working the COVID Unit. This is normal for NOW. But as you say, another day perhaps another normal.

God gives me one day at a time. It is a gift for me to unwrap and each day is a change but we do have the opportunity to choose. I’ve been gifted with eyes to see, whether it’s words on a page, the smile on my hubby’s face, or sighting a squirrel drinking from our birdbath; ears to hear the sounds of nature and of man and lips for me to choose wisely what comes out of my mouth. Embrace each day we have no control over our tomorrow.

I like how I can count on your writing to always lead the way to light and greater wisdom. As a Christian, I appreciate the tradition you come from and I like how your writing is pertinent to all traditions, very inclusive. Your style is just simple enough, too, and concise so as to calm and let the reader relax and breathe. So thank you very much for your good work!

Of course, tomorrow isn’t promised to any of us.
My life hasn’t changed very much for the last few years.
Since my elderly Mum doesn’t drive anymore I have been doing her shopping each week. Also some chores for her. I also take her out to a local beauty spot once a week in the better weather with another relative. My husband also brings her to our house for dinner on a Saturday. That has been fairly constant for sometime now.
I knew someday that would change.
For me being at home isn’t a problem in itself.
Will life be the same again? I doubt it.
I pray everyday. Keep safe everyone.

Josh, I absolutely love your emails and the write ups you do. Thank you!
It’s so true about “our normal” it’s always changing. Which, like you said can be all types of change – good, bad – but whatever it is we are constantly changing.
I believe everyone should learn to be who they want to be and don’t worry about what everyone else thinks or what everyone else is doing. Just do you! Be happy and stay kind – you never know what someone else is going through.

Our CEO challenged all employees to sit down and write out who they want to be during this time and write down the things you need to do to be that person. Not just work but in all aspects of life. This is a time we can slow down and take stock. We can’t be in control of all the things that will change, but we can be the managers of our own lives.